Today I want to touch on how taking care of your skin is something everybody should do no matter where they live.
Using the following 4 basic creams on a regular basis will have a great impact in keeping your skin healthy and looking fresh. These recommendations go for both men and women.
1. Sunscreen
In any kind of climate but especially in places of extreme sun exposure like Florida and other sunshine states daily application of a SPF 30 sunscreen is highly recommended.  If you exercise and enjoy outside activities its best to apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes before leaving your home. Remember that even on a cloudy day the ultraviolet rays are affecting your skin. Get up in the morning, wash your face, brush your teeth and put on some sunscreen.
2. Mild Exfoliate as a Moisturizer
Exfoliation removes dead or old skin cells, grease and impurities from the surface of the skin allowing fresh new cells to be exposed. This improves the appearance of the skin and gives it more luminosity or glow.  With less of these old skin cells on the surface, skin preparations such as moisturizers, antioxidants, retinoids and mask products penetrate easier into the skin giving better results. Your blood circulation will increase bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, therefore improving the skin color and appearance. Unwanted Hyperpigmentation improves as the pigment found in the surface skin cells is removed.
3. Antioxidant Cream
Certain foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are sometimes rich in antioxidants. These foods may not only help reduce the signs of aging, but can also lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants absorb and or eradicate free radicals in the body and skin. Ultraviolet rays from the sun create free radicals in the skin.  An antioxidant cream may be used to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It may also reduce the effects of stress, smoke, and pollution in the skin. I believe that direct application of an antioxidant cream to the skin might slow down the aging process. While antioxidant cream is important, people may also be able to get some of its benefits through food and dietary supplements.
4. Use a Retinoid
Retinoid creams first came to market as an acne-fighting drug. They have also been used to treat psoriasis; warts, wrinkles and blotchiness caused by sun exposure, and aged skin. Retinoids are known as cell communicating agents because they encourage skin cells to communicate and function normally. This is a process that is often disrupted during the aging process. After washing your face, wait at least 10 minutes, then apply a thin layer of your Retinoid. Then wait another 10 minutes for it to absorb, then spread on your moisturizer. You want to give the Retinoid full access to your skin and a layer of moisturizer can interfere with absorption.  Remember retinoids should only be applied in the evening.  If you have never used a retinoid before begin only 2 or 3 evenings per week.  If no redness or mild peeling occur you may increase the usage to nightly gradually over a few weeks.
Got more questions about Sunscreens, Exfoliates, Antioxidants or Retinoids? Please request an appointment using the form below or call us on (305) 532-4478. Visit us at the Greater Miami Skin and Laser Center.
